Keeping the Grinch Out of Our Christmas
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Philippians 4:10-14
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, I thank You for who You are! You alone are the Giver of life! Help me to find my satisfaction and contentment in You rather than my circumstances. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, let my focus be on what is really important this advent season. I do not want to compare myself with others, but be committed to Your Son Jesus in everything. Grant me the grace to do this. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a joy the passes all understanding. I do not want to find my joy in things, but rather in You. May I be contented in You. Help me to live in Your joy this day. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, I worship You this day! I am so grateful for what You have done in my life! You have saved and delivered me from all of my sins. I do not want to live in discontentment, but rather gratitude for who You are. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, I thank You for your faithfulness to me! With Your help I am able to endure all circumstances. No problem that I face is larger than You. Grant me the strength this day to live for You. In Jesus’ name I ask. . . Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, I thank You for sending Jesus to this world! Because He did this, I am now made right with You. Help me to remain united to You in everything that I do. May my attitude be one of gratitude. In Jesus’ name . . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, I praise You for giving me the power for holy living. I can indeed endure all circumstances with contentment through Jesus Christ. May this be true of me this day. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Background on the Text
In Philippians 4:4-10, the apostle Paul thanks the church for sending gifts through Epaphroditus (vs18). For a period of time the Philippian church was separated from Paul (vs10), but when they had the opportunity, they generously gave to support Paul’s ministry. Paul, in turn, wanted to thank them for their generosity, but reminded them that he was content with the situation that he was in. He wasn’t beggar asking for charity, but he was rather a contented servant in the Lord. The secret of his contentment was finding the strength to endure every circumstance through a wonderful union with Jesus. It’s this union with Jesus that brings the infusion of power for every situation. Just as Paul learned how to be content through his union with Jesus, so we also can endure all situations through our relationship with Jesus. He alone provides the basis for our contentment.
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas:
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts